pH-Responsive Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Substrates
Research Mentor(s)
Emory, Steven R.
Description
Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is a spectroscopic technique used to analyze the interactions between compounds in simple and complex mixtures. Highly specific, the SERS effect arises from the enhancement of the Raman scattering cross section of molecules adsorbed to roughened metal surfaces. Many factors influence the SERS enhancement including metal type, surface roughness, nanoparticle (NP) morphology, distance between adjacent NPs, and the orientation and distance between adsorbate molecule and the NP’s surface. Dynamically tunable SERS substrates are of particular interest. In this work, the synthesis of monodisperse microgels with pH-tunable swelling characteristics is explored in an effort to create a tunable and pH-responsive substrate for SERS-active Au and Ag NPs. Random co-polymers of styrene and 2-vinylpyridine, which are sterically stabilized and covalently cross-linked, were synthesized. Au and Ag NPs were loaded onto the surface of these polymer nanostructures and the pH-responsive SERS activity was measured.
Document Type
Event
Start Date
16-5-2018 9:00 AM
End Date
16-5-2018 12:00 PM
Department
Chemistry
Genre/Form
student projects, posters
Subjects – Topical (LCSH)
Raman spectroscopy
Type
Image
Rights
Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this document for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author’s written permission.
Language
English
Format
application/pdf
pH-Responsive Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Substrates
Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is a spectroscopic technique used to analyze the interactions between compounds in simple and complex mixtures. Highly specific, the SERS effect arises from the enhancement of the Raman scattering cross section of molecules adsorbed to roughened metal surfaces. Many factors influence the SERS enhancement including metal type, surface roughness, nanoparticle (NP) morphology, distance between adjacent NPs, and the orientation and distance between adsorbate molecule and the NP’s surface. Dynamically tunable SERS substrates are of particular interest. In this work, the synthesis of monodisperse microgels with pH-tunable swelling characteristics is explored in an effort to create a tunable and pH-responsive substrate for SERS-active Au and Ag NPs. Random co-polymers of styrene and 2-vinylpyridine, which are sterically stabilized and covalently cross-linked, were synthesized. Au and Ag NPs were loaded onto the surface of these polymer nanostructures and the pH-responsive SERS activity was measured.